Emilia-Romagna is a northern region in Italy that's home to nine cities, including the small city of Ravenna. The area is an Italian foodie's delight with Bologna, Parma, and Modena all nearby. If looking at a map, Ravenna is an hour east from Bologna, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and is the perfect day-trip for Italian art lovers.

Unlike other Italian cities that end up being a crowded and expensive tourist trap, Ravenna is the quiet and quaint trip for those looking for a more authentic experience. It's a place to see remnants from the Middle Ages and to experience Italian music and art like never before. If done right, Ravenna can be one of the most romantic cities in Italy. To learn more about the city and what to focus on, keep scrolling for some top-notch experiences that can only be had in Ravenna.

10 Head Over To Comacchio For Flamingos & Mini Venice

Millions flee to Italy every year to see The City of Water: Venice. But there are oodles of cities that need to be explored other than Venice — like Ravenna! Just a half-hour north of Ravenna is the city of Comacchio. For those seeking a day trip from Ravenna, Comacchio was built on 13 different islands that all connect with small bridges. Tourists can wander along the canals and see pink flamingos in the wetlands without going to the over-populated Venice.

9 Chow Down On Piadina

Piadina (also known as piada) is an Italian street food specialty. It's a flatbread with olive oil and sea salt that's traditionally stuffed with fresh ingredients. However, the star of the show is definitely the piadina and can totally be enjoyed without extras. Those who have visited Ravenna took to Trip Advisor and noted Profumo di Piadina and La Piadina Dello Chef have some of the best in town.

8 The Basilica Of Saint Francesco

The Basilica of San Francesco (or Saint Francis) is one of the more popular churches in Ravenna due to the flooding in the church's basement. With Ravenna residing on wetlands, it's been said that the city is slowly sinking, contributing to the basement's flooding.

What's even more eye-catching is that the church's basement is where the remains of Bishop Neon of the 5th century is laid to rest. Shockingly, the crypt appears to be in fine condition.

7 Ravenna Is Known For Its Mosaics

Ravenna is also called "the city of mosaics," according to Trip Savvy. When visiting one of Ravenna's many churches, gorgeous mosaics cover the windows and walls. It's because of the mosaics and its history dating back to the fifth century, that eight of the city's monuments have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With mosaics being apart of the city's identity, it's still one of the largest producers of mosaics in the country.

6 Stand Under The Umbrellas

Pictures of influencers and travel bloggers gallivanting under a sea of umbrellas in Ravenna has been passed around on social media for quite some time. If you're planning a trip and want to see the floating umbrellas yourself, head to Via Mentana, also known as Umbrella Street.

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There are over 10 rows of colorful umbrellas hanging above an alleyway just waiting to be walked under. There's not too much to do on the street itself but it's worth visiting.

5 Dip Your Toes In The Marina di Ravenna

If tourists are visiting Ravenna in the warmer months and need a break from churches, monuments, and walking around aimlessly, head to the Marina di Ravenna. It's about a 15-minute car ride to the coast but is well worth the trip. Tired travelers can lay on the sand and catch some sun or dive into the Adriatic Sea to cool off. There are also beach clubs and resorts beachgoers can visit to grab a drink or some fresh Italian cooking.

4 Stroll Through The Piazza

Piazzas may as well be the heart of the city. It's a place where locals and tourists can mingle and pass each other while everyone shops, eats, or passes through. In Ravenna, the piazza is in the middle of the city and is a great meeting place before venturing off to the other landmarks.

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If travelers are looking for a more popular piazza with more to do, Piazza Popolo may be the winning ticket due to its monuments and proximity to other landmarks.

3 Don't Sleep On Dante Alighieri's Tomb

Non-Italians may not be rushing to a tomb of a man named Dante, but it's an important stop to make during the time spent in Ravenna. Dante Alighieri was an Italian poet who died in Ravenna in the 1300s. Hailing from Florence, there's actually been a dispute between Ravenna and Florence over where his final resting place should be. Since Dante died in Ravenna, the city holds on to his remains in Dante’s Mausoleum (or Dante's Tomb).

2 Soak Up The Sun At Dolcevita Beach Club

Just a 15-minute ride down the coast from Marina di Ravenna is the Dolcevita Beach Club. With the ocean as the main attraction, the small club organizes itself by interest. There's an area for families, for those who want to relax, and for those looking for more activities.

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Visitors can swim in the ocean, enjoy a cocktail on the sand, chow down on some pizza — it's an oasis for every age (including children if this is a family vacation). This mini paradise is the best of both worlds for those loving city and beach life.

1 Head Over In The Summer For The Ravenna Festival

Ravenna is gorgeous at any time of year but it gets more play in the warmer months. Thanks to the city's mosaics, culture, and churches, the Ravenna Festival is a big draw for those seeking Italian culture.

Typically taking place in June and July, the Ravenna Festival hosts an array of performing arts. From live music to the ballet to opera and mosaics, it's a rush of all things Ravenna. If visiting throughout June and July, immerse yourself into this culture bash.

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